Pretend Play
Why Play?
"You’ve probably heard the expression “Play is children’s work”. What this means is that children aren’t just keeping busy when they play – there are many important things children learn while playing, and their time spent playing is essential for their development. This is especially true of pretend play, which helps children practice their thinking, communicating, and interacting skills. "
From The Hanen Centre
4.14 POSTER_ Learning Connections to the 12 Types of Play_ POSTER.pdfDifferent Types of Play
Through play we can learn so much, including language! See the poster for more info on all the different types of play and how each supports development.
Learning Connections to the 12 Types of Play poster by Edmonton Public Schools Early Years program
How to Use Play To Build Language Skills
Follow your child's lead
When you follow the child’s lead, you pick up on his or her interests and go with them. The best way to follow a child’s lead is to become interested in what interests them. In play, use the strategy OWL to see what interests your child, then join in on what they are doing.
Include your child's interests
Have you ever been in a conversation where you and your communication partner have nothing in common? The conversation usually doesn't last very long and you probably don't feel motivated to stay and chat. The same is true for kids. Once we take a closer look at what captures children’s attention and find ways to join them in their interests, we can interact with them in ways that build their communication skills.
Teach new words through modelling
Children are like sponges - they absorb EVERYTHING we say! That is why how we talk to our children is so important. There are different ways that we can model language for the child while we play with them which include self-talk and parallel-talk.
Keep it fun!
When a child is having fun playing with you, they are motivated to continue playing and learning. Your goal should be to keep it fun, and keep it going! We can keep play interactions fun for the child and motivate them to stay to play by following their lead and responding to their interests.